This week in the Denver dining news, a power outage leaves one restaurant scrambling. We’re seeing a major service shift at a decade-old restaurant, and kids get free burgers all summer long. Have a tip? Send us a note via Instagram or by emailing info@diningout.com.
The 411
Cutting the Power
Last week Velvet Lasso faced power outages due to neighboring construction, which cut electricity on the block. Something, the team posted on Instagram, they didn’t know was coming. Unfortunately that caused the restaurant to close and all the food to go bad. So go support them this week and let’s make up for the misfortune.
Kids Eat Free
Smashburger launched a “Kids Eat Free” Wednesday deal, taking place all summer long at locations across the country. The Colorado-founded fast food spot offers kids 12 and under a free Kids Hamburger Meal, Kids Cheeseburger Meal, or Kids Crispy Chicken Strips. The only catch, the adults have to buy their own in order to get the deal. Want some other free-kid-meal options? Here’s a list of over 30.
Hot Dog!
For the 4th of July only, Major Tom will host a patio party with Swedish-style hot dogs by chef Ameilia Eudailey. Other Scandinavian fare will also be served, as well as cold wine, icy cocktails, and more. The fun starts at 4 p.m. until “the last dog is sold.” Here’s some other Fourth of July fun to check out too.
Service Change
After 10 years, Dio Mio is dropping the fast-casual model and going to full service. Now, each guest has a dedicated server the moment they sit down. It also means you don’t have to wait in line to get a refill on that house wine.
Lighting Strikes
Last week we hosted Top Taco in Downtown Westminster, and while things went well the first three-quarters of the celebration, a huge storm rolled in and derailed the ending. With lightning in the area, the area had to be cleared, and we didn’t get to annoyed the winners. Worry not, we will release the People’s and Judge’s Choice winners this week. Stay tuned for the winner announcement, as well as some extra goodies to keep the taco party going.
Tequila Cantina Pop-Up
Starting July 7, Mar Bella Wine Bar inside Clayton Hotel & Members Club will become Tequilería Alteño, a casual Mexican bar pop-up from the Fonda Fina Hospitality team.
“It’s bringing the fun cantina vibes of Mexico to Denver,” said chef Johnny Curiel, founder of the group that includes Mar Bella, Alteño, Alma Fonda Fina, and more. “With the summer being here and the vibes, and how well Mexican food has been received here in the last few years…we have been contemplating it for a while, and it is perfect in that location.” Read more about the concept here.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots, and make sure to check out the week’s events.
Tuesday: After chef Tim Kuklinski of Bistro Vendome took over our Instagram stories last week, we can’t stop dreaming of that French bistro lifestyle. So, making it a reality by stopping in today for dinner.
Thursday: We are heading to Mar Bella in Cherry Creek before it becomes Tequilería Alteño for the summer. More on that pop-up here, which you can read while nibbling on a plate of Piquillos Rellenos.
Friday: Most of us have today off, which means a trip to the newly-minted James Beard Award winner Peneolope Wong’s Yuan Wonton for lunch. Yes, the dumplings are that good, but it’s the heart of the staff and the chef that makes the Park Hill restaurant sing.
